Interested in hosting a Global Followership Conference?
We are seeking host institutions to hold half-day to three-day conferences, in-person and virtual. We typically partner with academic institutions to hold events when their spaces are underutilized.
What benefits can you expect?
Enhanced reputation and credibility as a pioneer of modern leadership thinking
Greater awareness of what you have to offer potential students
World-class professional development and networking for staff, faculty and students
An opportunity to connect with local practitioners and the community in a meaningful way
What does it look like at a high level?
You provide the space and we bring in our amazing Network of passionate volunteers. Your staff, faculty and students have the opportunity to participate at no cost. We collaborate on marketing, communications and operational support.
What does it look like in more detail?
What previous hosts, volunteers & participants have said…
DR. MARC HURWITZ, co-chair of GFC 2019
“The first Global Followership Conference was held at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario Canada in 2019. We had over 130 participants, a hundred of whom came to Canada from 14 countries around the world. It was a huge success:
The mix and blending of academics, students and practitioners generated unique knowledge sharing, conversations and networking.
The vibe was warm, welcoming and collegial.
The format was creative with lots of interactivity and special details.
UW staff and students who attended the conference enjoyed all of that plus learned all about followership, a new topic for most folks with far-reaching applicable.
Participants enjoyed experiencing the local flavour.
While our university provided the space for the conference – it was held when our space was underutilized – most of the organizing was managed by the conference team. And all incremental costs were absorbed by the conference. That made it easy for us to host.”
DEBRA FINLAYSON
“I attended the first Global Followership Conference in 2019 and it was excellent. Since then, I've attended every one, facilitated multiple sessions, made friends, and I'm currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Sciences with a focus on Effective Followership.”
LORI THROUPE & LACEY GREY HUNTER, co-chairs of GFC 2023
“To say that hosting the 2023 Global Followership Conference at Christopher Newport University was an honor is a severe understatement.”
“In truth, it felt like an invitation extended to us to join a unique and curious global community committed to advancing the understanding of followership. We were privileged to welcome participants from across regions, countries, disciplines, and professional backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to this evolving field. The diversity of thought and experience enriched every session and conversation, and we are proud that CNU served as a gathering place for such a vibrant and inspiring exchange.”
ZAIN MAHMOOD, PhD student volunteer team lead, GFC 2024
“Anyone who knows the busy schedule of a PhD student will understand my request for volunteers was met with responses like ‘well, what’s in it for me?’ After the conference these responses transitioned into ‘that was so much fun!’ and ‘when can we do this again?!’
“We volunteers helped facilitate sessions, were on-hand for support and above all, made our guests feel welcome. The feedback was nothing but positive regarding our student volunteers, so well done to all those who took part in this fantastic event! I got to attend the final masterclass with many bright-minded people from across the globe as Marc gave a great briefing on all things followership. At the end, we shared a farewell lunch where I went around the room and asked the simple question ‘If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?’ And boy, some of these responses were breathtaking. It was a great honour to host the Global Followership conference at Strathclyde!!”
RON RIGGIO, Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, co-chair of GFC 2025
“A wonderful experience—perhaps the best organized and most efficient conference that I have ever attended... What stands out, however, was the deep, focused learning on followership, and the good fellowship among the attendees."
Let’s talk
We’d love to discuss what a generative partnership might look like. Reach out to us directly or fill out the form to the right and we’ll be in touch shortly.